The Denver Broncos selected running back Jonah Coleman out of Washington in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft, and he is slated to be the team's RB3, behind J.K. Dobbins (foot), whom they just re-signed to a two-year contract, and behind RJ Harvey, whom they spent second-round draft capital on in 2025. Coleman profiles as more of a bowling-ball-type running back, standing at 5'8 ", 220 lbs. Over his past two collegiate seasons at Washington, he accumulated 27 touchdowns, 54 receptions, 531 receiving yards, and 1,811 rushing yards. He profiles as a true bell-cow back with receiving upside and has received comparisons to guys like David Montgomery of the Houston Texans. For the 2026 season, he will be buried on the depth chart and likely won't be relevant in the first half of the season barring injury; however, the Broncos are not committed to Dobbins long-term and Harvey did not capitalize on his from an efficiency standpoint in 2025, so Coleman is a top target in dynasty formats, specifically for teams who are rebuilding or just need to get younger at the running back position
J.K. Dobbins, despite an injury history and competition in the Denver backfield, still holds value for contending dynasty teams due to his proven production. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry last season and was ranked RB42 in dynasty rankings
Although Ashton Jeanty of the Raiders was the only running back selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft , nine rookies logged at least 100 carries last season. CBS Sports' fantasy football experts project just three to cross that threshold this time around. From 2016-21, the NFL averaged 10 rushers with 1,000-plus rushing yards each season, which perhaps supported an overarching notion that the position was being devalued. Carries were being distributed more evenly among teams. Over the past four years, the league has averaged 15 rushers of at least 1,000 yards. As part of the 2026 NFL Draft, there were only three running backs taken in the top-100 overall. Which rookie running backs will be the most productive in 2026? Here are five candidates: There were some others who had been considered for the final spot, including Nick Singleton ( Titans ) and Adam Randall ( Ravens ). There is a path for Coleman to receive a large share of Denver's carries. J.K. Dobbins has battled injuries throughout his career and R.J. Harvey may not possess the ideal size to be a feature back. Coleman was the fourth-highest drafted running back in his class at No. 108 overall. He was proficient in the pass game while at Washington, which makes him a three-down back. CBS Sports' fantasy football experts project Coleman to rush for 134 yards and one touchdown on 32 carries, equivalent to 25.4 fantasy points. Washington was a favorite throughout the pre-draft process. He has size, burst and the capability to impact the game on all three downs. Last year's No. 6 overall selection, Ashton Jeanty, will be the bell cow for the AFC franchise, but Washington can be the thunder to Jeanty's lightning. Jeanty had all but 41 of Las Vegas' running back carries last season, so one would think the new coaching staff will want to transfer some of the burden elsewhere. The Seahawks had two running backs with 180-plus carries last season. CBS Sports' fantasy football experts project Washington to carry 97 times for 340 yards and two touchdowns, equivalent to 89 fantasy points. There is a clear gap between the top two running backs and the rest of this list. Opportunity will dictate how the second tier shakes out. The 49ers faced backlash over the selections of Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and Black, prompting surly responses from Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch during press conferences. San Francisco may be inclined to funnel touches to Black in an effort to justify the selection, but past tendencies suggest it is an exercise in overthinking. San Francisco has used Day 2 selections on running backs Ty Davis-Price and Trey Sermon in the past. Those two players combined for 81 total carries during their brief careers in the Bay Area. The franchise churns through running backs over the course of a regular season. Jordan James , Isaac Guerendo and Black are backups to Christian McCaffrey , who, aside from an injury-riddled 2024 season, has missed one total game in three of his last four seasons. CBS Sports' fantasy football experts project Black as the third-highest scoring rookie running back with 592 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 152 carries, equivalent to 114.9 fantasy points. Seattle employed a platoon system at the running back position with Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III . Walker signed with the Chiefs in free agency, and Charbonnet suffered a significant late-season injury. Emanuel Wilson and George Holani are capable of giving Price a breather until Charbonnet returns, but the rookie may get a larger volume of touches in September as a result. Outwardly, it felt as though the Seahawks were willing to wait and take the Notre Dame product No. 32 overall despite better value existing elsewhere. There have been 13 running backs drafted in the first round over the past 10 years. Of those, 12 played at least 13 games -- Omarion Hampton was the exception -- and averaged 1,181.2 yards and 8.2 touch
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Broncos running back RJ Harvey is focusing on studying film of other successful RBs like Christian McCaffrey, Kenneth Walker III, and Jahmyr Gibbs as he enters his second year. While he showed flashes after J.K. Dobbins' injury, consistency issues and a crowded backfield with Jonah Coleman and Dobbins suggest a committee approach. Harvey's fantasy value has decreased, positioning him as a potential RB3/flex option in PPR leagues
The most interesting group to watch through training camp for me is going to be the running back room. The running game for the Broncos last season was largely ineffective once J.K. Dobbins was injured. This Broncos offense with an actual functioning running game would have won a Super Bowl last season. So most of us in Broncos Country are licking our chops. While the Broncos didn’t take huge steps to shake up the roster, I really like what they did this offseason for two reasons. Dobbins is probably the poster boy for the term “injury-prone.” I absolutely can not argue at all with the Broncos bringing him back. He’s nothing if not productive on the field of play. He averaged 5 yards per carry for the team last year and made the offense look great when he was out there. If any team is going to be able to get an injury-prone player right, it is the Denver Broncos. Beau Lowery runs an excellent ship for the health and conditioning staff of the Broncos. Dobbins has the right mindset, and the Broncos have a great staff that will help him stay as healthy as possible in 2026. My favorite move of the offseason was drafting Jonah Coleman. He’s got the goods to turn into a #1 RB in the NFL. He’s also a multi-faceted back like Dobbins who can run inside, outside, pass protect, and catch out of the backfield. Plan #1 for the Broncos may be for Dobbins to get right and stay right. If that doesn’t work out, they have plan #2 ready to go in Jonah Coleman. We know Dobbins, Coleman, and R.J. Harvey are locks on this roster. But that means the fighting is going to be heavy for Jaleel McLaughlin , Tyler Badie , and Cody Schrader . I also wouldn’t put it past the Broncos to be scouting the waiver wire as training camp moves along. I think of these three guys, Tyler Badie is a lock. McLaughlin has yet to show he’s anything other than a good change-of-pace running option lacking pass blocking and catching consistency. Cody Schrader looks like a long shot in my eyes to make the squad in the first place (though he’s likely a shoe-in for the practice squad). Broncos Camp Preview: Denver’s O-line enters training camp with All-Pros, continuity and depth WR Courtland Sutton voted No. 68 on 2026 NFL Top 100 list Don’t forget about Jaleel McLaughlin in Broncos’ RB mix Ranking the 10 Best NFL Offensive Linemen for 2026: Two Broncos Make the List NFC North training camp 2026 preview: Top storylines for Bears, Lions, Packers, Viking Tony Romo: My only regret is not winning Cowboys a Super Bowl Giants’ John Harbaugh not worried about Jaxson Dart protecting himself Bills RB James Cook wants to do ‘something special’ for Buffalo: ‘It’s on us’ to get over Super Bowl hump Rising coach on 49ers’ staff? Former Seahawk K.J. Wright Investigation into alleged battery by Jets’ Smith no longer active Rams’ Jackson won’t face felony; case assigned for diversion Stefon Diggs says there is no WR2 in NFL ‘better than me’ Will the Seahawks’ New Owner Look to Shake Things Up? The Terrion Arnold Situation Is Unprecedented Super Bowl LXI Road Map: It’s Time for Bryce Young to Prove He’s Not a Bust
Coleman will enter training camp positioned to compete for immediate playing time in a Broncos backfield that also includes J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, Luca Evans of The Denver Post reports. Coleman impressed at OTAs and mandatory minicamp in spring, and Evans speculates that the rookie fourth-round pick could immediately absorb the 17 percent offensive snaps share handled by Tyler Badie last season. At 5-foot-8, 220 pounds, Coleman offers more upside than Badie thanks to his compact frame and pass-game utility, giving him a chance to push Harvey for third-down work and contribute in short-yardage situations. While Coleman looks on track to beat out Jaleel McLaughlin and Badie for the No. 3 backfield role, his early fantasy appeal will be limited if the Broncos deploy a full backfield committee
RJ Harvey, despite his rookie success and praised receiving skills, faces a complicated backfield situation with the return of J.K. Dobbins and the addition of Jonah Coleman. His offseason shoulder surgery adds further uncertainty, making him an upside bench pick or dynasty hold rather than a lead back
The running back room was on course to look mostly just like it did last season for the Denver Broncos. That is until the 2026 NFL Draft rolled around and on Day 3 Denver drafted Jonah Coleman. His addition adds great insurance behind JK Dobbins. Dobbins was having a fantastic season before injury and the […]
After recording 1,112 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns on 187 touches across 12 games for the University of Washington in 2025, running back Jonah Coleman was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Entering training camp, Coleman likely profiles as the RB3 in Denver behind veteran J.K. Dobbins and 2025 second-rounder RJ Harvey. If Dobbins and Harvey stay healthy, Coleman's usage in 2026 may be limited. However, Dobbins has a long track record of injury issues, as he's cracked 200 touches in just one season since entering the NFL in 2020. Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie last season and was much more effective as a receiver out of the backfield, which could be the role the Broncos envision him playing long-term. With a steady rookie season, Coleman could emerge as Denver's lead rusher heading into 2027, and an injury to Dobbins could open a path to playing time even sooner. In dynasty formats, Coleman profiles as a priority stash candidate entering 2026
Tyler Badie is competing for a running back spot on the Denver Broncos' final 53-man roster. Despite the additions of RJ Harvey, Jonah Coleman, and J.K. Dobbins, Badie's proficiency in pass protection, which saw him play significant special teams snaps last season, could earn him a place on the team. However, with limited roster spots and competition from Jaleel McLaughlin, his role remains uncertain
The belief in Broncos camp is Jonah Coleman could earn an immediate role. Coleman would most likely hold a short-yardage and/or goal line role if he is to play right away. This could end up being a three-man committee with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey
Broncos running back RJ Harvey underwent offseason shoulder surgery after tearing his labrum, Luca Evans of The Denver Post reports. Harvey injured his shoulder in the AFC Championship Game. Harvey did practice during organized team activities, but he did not do much team work as he works his way back, per Evans. As a rookie, the 2025 second-round pick totaled 193 touches for 896 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. He will play behind J.K. Dobbins and will compete with rookie Jonah Coleman for the backup job
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a sizable step forward in 2025, more than doubling his targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown totals from an underwhelming 2024 rookie campaign. Unfortunately, with changes coming to the Broncos offense in 2026, Franklin's production is likely to plateau or crater following his WR33 finish. Quarterback Bo Nix is at his best when he's spreading the ball around, and following the additions of Jaylen Waddle via trade and capable pass-catching running back Jonah Coleman through the draft, Franklin will have a hard time reaching anything close to his 18% target share from 2025. Veteran Courtland Sutton still profiles as the go-to red zone weapon, and second-year player Pat Bryant showed flashes down the stretch and looked to be a major part of the game plan in two separate playoff outings that he left early with injury. Still only 23 years old and RotoBaller's WR79, Franklin is a dynasty hold coming off a 65-catch, 709-yard season. That said, even though Sutton is already north of 30, he agreed to a four-year extension last season that keeps him under contract through the 2029 season, meaning any eventual takeover by Franklin is likely to be a gradual one with fantasy frustrations along the way
The Denver Broncos have signed fourth-round draft pick Jonah Coleman, a running back who recorded 758 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season at Washington. He will compete for a spot on the depth chart with other returning backs
The Broncos are set to sign another one of their draft picks. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the team has agreed to terms with fourth-round offensive lineman Kage Casey. Casey is expected to sign the four-year deal on Tuesday. Casey was a three-year starter at left tackle at Boise State and was a first-team all-conference selection in the Mountain West in his final two seasons at the school. The Broncos have Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey returning at tackle, but there’s been some talk of Casey getting a look at guard as well. The Broncos have two other unsigned picks in third-round defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim and fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman
The Broncos are set to sign another one of their draft picks. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the team has agreed to terms with fourth-round offensive lineman Kage Casey . Casey is expected to sign the four-year deal on Tuesday. Casey was a three-year starter at left tackle at Boise State and was a first-team all-conference selection in the Mountain West in his final two seasons at the school. The Broncos have Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey returning at tackle, but there's been some talk of Casey getting a look at guard as well. The Broncos have two other unsigned picks in third-round defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim and fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman
Garett Bolles shared his thoughts on the Broncos' culture and coaching changes, highlighting Davis Webb's sharpness and Sean Payton's winning foundation. The article contrasts this with typical offseason noise, also mentioning updates on Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, and Fernando Mendoza
Coleman (5-8, 220) is built like a fire hydrant and such dense anchor probably gives him more volume capability than Coleman otherwise showed at Arizona and Washington in college. Coleman consistently stood out as a power back, including if not especially as a pass catcher (84.0-percent catch rate, 8.7 YPT), so between his volume upside and pass-catching ability there probably is a high fantasy ceiling in Coleman's best-case scenario. He might be far from that scenario in 2026, however, because the rookie fourth-round pick can only poach so much playing time from backs as good as J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. Dobbins is plainly injury prone, though, and it would be understandable if the Broncos would prefer to deploy the smallish Harvey mostly in space to spare him big hits between the tackles. If Dobbins were to miss any time there's a good chance Coleman would plug in to nearly the same role, if only for Denver to avoid overworking Harvey at that point. Although he's likely slow and probably won't make many big plays at the NFL level, receptions and goal-line touches pile up fantasy points quickly, and Coleman does project well for those two categories in terms of skill set
With their 108th overall selection in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Washington running back Jonah Coleman. Coleman is a 5-8, 220+ pound running back who will give the Broncos a powerful bowling-ball ball carrier who profiles as a three-down back and has a nose for the end zone. The Broncos selected him to add depth and insurance behind veteran running back JK Dobbins, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career. We saw the Broncos’ run game take a nosedive after Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury midseason, so a back like Coleman will help prevent that from happening again this upcoming season. Many viewed Coleman as one of the top backs in the draft, and the Broncos getting him in the fourth round could prove to be a major steal for them. He played a total of two seasons at Washington and was one of the more productive backs in the Nation during that time. During Coleman’s two seasons at Washington, he appeared in 25 games and totaled 349 carries for 1,811 yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, and 54 receptions for 531 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Jonah Coleman as his RB6 and believes he is an inside runner with value on passing downs as a runner, pass catcher, and as a blocker. With his stout, strong build, Coleman runs with square shoulders, toughness and vision to operate between the tackles. He has a noticeable lack of burst in open space but possesses the lateral quickness as a jump-cut runner to change lanes at the line of scrimmage. Coleman isn’t overly explosive and his lack of juice is a concern, but he is an instinctive, competitive ball carrier who can absorb and bounce off tacklers. He is an inside runner with value on passing downs, both as a receiver and blocker. Coleman proved to be a three-down back who could handle a lot of carries, convert short-yardage, be a touchdown machine, and be valuable on third downs as a pass-catcher and blocker. He is exactly the type of running back the Broncos needed to add. He will join veteran JK Dobbins and second-year running back RJ Harvey in the Broncos’ backfield to give them one of the more talented and productive running back rooms in the NFL. Before his injury, Dobbins was one of the top backs in the NFL, and RJ Harvey had nearly 1,000 total yards and 12 total touchdowns during his rookie season. If those two can repeat, or even improve on their totals, with Coleman added in, the Broncos could have a dangerous rushing attack. Jonah Coleman | Running back | Denver Broncos Height: 5-8 Weight: 220 pounds Age: 22 years old Experience: Rookie Hand Size: 9 1/8 inches Bench Press: 22 reps 2025 stats: 156 carries for 758 yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, and 31 receptions for 354 yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. For right now, he is likely the Broncos RB3 who could get some playing time on third downs and in the red zone. However, his role could grow throughout the year and even as early as this summer if he has a strong training camp and preseason. Either way, Coleman will have a role and be a productive member of this Denver Broncos rushing attack. His quickest way to playing time will come on third downs. If you can block for quarterback Bo Nix on passing downs while also being a weapon out of the backfield, you will earn playing time. Last season, Tyler Badie earned Nix’s trust on third downs, last season and I believe Coleman will quickly earn his trust this season. After being drafted, Coleman told reporters, “Now I get to go protect Bo Nix,” and said he takes pride in that aspect of his game. “It’s really important. Now I get to go protect [QB] Bo Nix, and I take pride in that. I may not have all the exciting plays and all of that, but I do the dirty work. I do those things that not a lot of people pay attention to. Just being able to be well rounded. When I was a freshman, [former Arizona assistant coach/running backs] Coach [Scottie] Graham said, ‘The only way you’re
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